2024 Community Conservation and Education Grant

Grant Information

The Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District (JSWCD) 2024 CCE Grant provides funding of up to $10,000 for conservation education projects and conservation projects with significant educational outcomes. This grant is designed for organizations working in Jackson County, Oregon, and encourages collaboration on projects that align with JSWCD's conservation priorities.

Grant Overview 

• Application Deadline: November 25th, 2024, by 5 PM.
• Funding Maximum: Up to $10,000.
• Eligible Applicants: Nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, Tribes, and government entities. Project beneficiaries and/or location must be based in Jackson County, Oregon. Applicants cannot have an active CCE grant with JSWCD. 
• Project Completion Deadline: Within 2 years of the award. Extensions of up to one year may be granted with prior JSWCD approval. 
• Match Requirements: No matching funds are required. 

Project Eligibility 

Eligible projects must: 

• Align with JSWCD's Natural Resource Priorities: Projects should relate to improving soil health, water conservation, water quality, ecosystem function, forest health, or riparian health within Jackson County. 
• Incorporate an Educational Component: Projects must have a strong educational or outreach component aimed at educating Jackson County residents, either broadly or within a targeted population, about the project and/or one or more of JSWCD's natural resource priorities (see above).

Grant Review and Selection Process

Review Process: Applications will be reviewed and scored by a committee composed of JSWCD staff and board members.

Ranking Criteria: Awards will be based on both the strength of responses to application questions and the potential of the project to contribute to natural resource conservation and education in Jackson County. Preference will be given to new applicants over previous recipients.

Funding Total: JSWCD has $50,000 in total funds to award in 2024. Partial awards may be considered.

Award Notification: Applicants will be notified of their status by Friday, December 13th, 2024.

Grant Agreement: Successful applicants will enter into a grant agreement effective January 2, 2025. Note: The grant will not cover expenses incurred before the finalization of the grant agreement.

Grant Conditions 

• Reimbursement Structure: The CCE grant reimburses project expenses. Grantees can request one or two incremental payments for incurred expenses if arranged with the JSWCD representative in advance. 
• Final Report: Grantees are required to submit a final report detailing project outcomes, including educational and ecological benefits of the final project. The report must also include photo documentation, and JSWCD must be permitted to share these images publicly. 
• Public Recognition: The grantee shall publicly acknowledge the financial support provided by JSWCD in all publications, presentations, reports, promotional materials, and public announcements related to the project.

Budget Guidelines 

• Budget Template: Applicants must use the JSWCD CCE Grant Budget Template to detail expected project expenses. The completed budget must be uploaded in Excel (.xlsx) format in the designated section of the online application. 
• Unit Costs: Ensure the budget reflects realistic quotes or estimates for all project costs. 
• Labor Rates: Use current pay rates for staff, including taxes and benefits. Contractor rates should be based on quotes or bids. 
• Travel Costs: Follow current State of Oregon rates for per diem and mileage (See pages 12-13 for applicable rates). 
• Contingency: You may include a contingency line for unanticipated expenses, as appropriate for the project. 
• Restrictions: JSWCD does not cover administration time for grant paperwork or indirect costs. 

Application Tips and Resources

• Budget Template: Download the 2024 CCE grant budget template here.
• Application Template: Download the Application Template here. This template is an aid to assist applicants in preparing their applications. The actual application must be submitted online. The .pdf form will not be accepted.
• Jotform: The application platform allows you to save your progress, enabling you to return and edit your application before final submission.

Support

Ellie Zignego, JSWCD Outreach and Engagement Coordinator, is available to answer questions about the grant and application process. She can be contacted at: ellie.zignego@jswcd.org.
 

Use the 2024 CCE Budget Template to complete your grant budget. Submit the budget in .xlxs or .pdf format. Please ensure the file name of the uploaded file includes the project name.

Purpose of the Grant and Use of Funds

The grant funds awarded through this application must be used solely for the purpose outlined in the proposed project description. Any deviations from the approved project scope or intended use of the funds must receive prior written approval from Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District. Under no circumstances may the funds be used for personal expenses, administrative overhead, or any other purpose unrelated to the project.

Compliance with Applicable Laws

The grantee agrees to comply with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations that may apply to the project. This includes, but is not limited to, laws concerning environmental protection, safety, and ethical practices in education or conservation projects adn obtaning any necessary permits or approvals. Non-compliance may result in termination of the grant agreement.

Acknowledgment and Acceptance of Grant Terms

By signing below, I certify that the information provided in this application is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I have read, understood, and agree to comply with the agreements outlined above and in the Grant Information section of the application.